The home side claimed the lead after just 10 minutes through Joe Allen but were unable to add to their advantage in the remainder of the first half despite creating a whole host of chances.

They continued to put Exeter under pressure after the break, though, with goals from Sheyi Ojo and João Teixeira eventually putting the result beyond any doubt.

Full report

The Reds started the encounter on the front foot and threatened the Exeter goal as early as the fifth minute, striker Christian Benteke seeing his goal-bound effort saved in the bottom-right corner by goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik.

However, the hosts weren’t to be denied in the 10th minute of play as Joe Allen converted from close range following some good work in the build up from full-back Brad Smith.

The flood gates opened after the early goal as Liverpool continued to apply the pressure in a bid to grab a second goal.

Benteke hit the crossbar in the 19th minute, but failed to hit the target with two separate chances that followed shortly thereafter.

The chances continued to flow for the Reds, with Jordon Ibe and Cameron Brannagan seeing their respective efforts kept out by Olejnik.

The hosts were again denied by the woodwork in the 40th minute, Ibe hitting the bar with a shot from the right-hand side of the box following Brannagan’s inviting cross into the danger area.

Exeter came flying out of the traps after the half-time interval and very nearly drew level in the opening minute of play, Alex Nicholls firing wide of the mark from outside the box.

Liverpool, meanwhile, were left cursing their luck after Ibe again hit the bar after latching onto Brannagan’s corner kick.

João Teixeira and Christian Benteke had chances to add to Liverpool’s advantage, but failed to make their chances count, while at the opposite end of the pitch, Lee Holmes’ header from the centre of the box was saved in the bottom-right corner by Reds keeper Simon Mignolet.

The sustained pressure from Liverpool eventually took its toll on the Exeter defence in the 74th minute as substitute Sheyi Ojo collected a pass from Ibe before slotting a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The result was put beyond any doubt in the 82nd minute as promising midfielder João Teixeira latched onto Benteke’s through pass before firing past Olejnik and into the back of the net.

The Reds could have added to their advantage in the final few minutes, but Teixeira and Benteke were both denied by Olejnik.